Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning, currently signed up with the Denver Broncos, missed all of the 2011 season while still with the Indianapolis Colts due to medical hiatus. The Colts released him on March 7, 2012 and he became a quarterback for the Denver Broncos by March 20, 2012. He made his first appearance as a Bronco on August 9, 2012, barely four months after signing up and quickly gained his old form, making his 400^th touchdown early in the regular football season.

How did Manning manage to do that after being away from the game for more than one season, and already 36 years of age? His former coach when he was still in Tennessee, David Cutcliffe, attributed Manning’s return to his former playing form due to his hard work. Manning worked to get his old form back from early morning until midnight – lifting weights, working on his core strength and practiced on the field every day of the week. And his hard work really paid off.

Manning is also different from his contemporaries. He’s got exceptional memory. He can read offensive and defensive plays and reacts with split second decision to direct his teammates into position with hand signals. His judgment is always trusted. He has the uncanny ability to anticipate and has a great sense of calm about him. His field vision is superb, he’s got the ability for quick set up and release and most of the time he’s pinpoint accurate. Those qualities are what make Manning a great football player, a great field general and what set him apart. And also, why there is talk of an MVP award right now.